We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

The social revolution is happening on the water!

As our NCBA conference date approaches it’s a good time for us to reflect on what we’ve achieved in the last year and how we plan to go forward. Here’s a round-up of some of the best of the blog.

Social Revolution!

Last July we launched ourselves into the world of social media with our very first blog post: NCBA starts social revolution! The exciting thing about community boating is that it is supporting both community and waterways regeneration. The NCBA offers training and support for community boating projects, promotes social cohesion and safe access to community boats. Keep in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Who’s on board?

I regularly like to feature our member organisations because there is such a fascinating diversity in what they achieve on a local level. When is a boat not a boat? When it’s a community boating project! This article features the floating classroom Beauchamp in London, The floating children’s home in Lancashire, a historic vessel Tarporley, and The Wooden Canal Boat Project. They all benefit different types of user groups in different ways.

News headlines!

As we are a nationwide organisation there is often something newsworthy to report. Community boats featured in the Queen’s Jubilee Pageant, and DART volunteer Kate carried the Olympic torch last summer. One of our members have been awarded an MBE and another won the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. The latest news is that some Olympic ceremony volunteers will be improving a London community boat.

What’s on near you?

Community boating events have ranged from Halloween cruises to Christmas carol singing, Santa cruises and volunteering in a tea shop. Other events have included fireworks displays and a talk at Kiftsgate Gardens. In June the NCBA attended the The Inland Waterways Association’s boat gathering at the Leeds Waterfront Festival.

Time to retrain?

The NCBA and many of our member organisations provide valuable training for anyone interested in boats, canals and helping the community. In The Brains Behind the Beautiful Boats you can read an overview of the different types of training you can access either through the NCBA or with your local community boating project.

Our blog is divided into five categories: Awards, Events, Featured Members, News and Training. Find the articles you’re interested in by scrolling down the right side bar, or subscribe in the top right hand corner of the home page.

If you have some news related to community boating get in touch. We’d love to feature it on our blog.